Analyst suggests shipments of 18 million iPhones this year

Jenny Lai, an analyst at CLSA Emerging Markets, is predicting that the iPhone 3G's new price may result in 18 million units shipped this year.

Lai, who covers Hon Hai Precision Industry, the contractor responsible for building the Apple phones, wrote "The higher expectation on the 3G iPhone reflects attractive prices and a broader distribution channel (availability at ~70 countries)," adding "The newly added white color for the 3G iPhone also bodes well to consumers."

She indicated that if her estimates of demand are correct the phone could represent as much as 10% of 2008 revenue for Hon Hai, which is currently the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer.

She did caution that there could be supply problems when the phone launches on July 11, but indicated they should be resolved by month's end.